Cyclone Vayu intensifies; heavy rains expected in Mumbai tomorrow

Mumbaibarks, gear up to tackle heavy rains and strong gusty winds as a deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea has intensified into cyclonic storm 'Vayu'.

Cyclone Vayu was about 630 km south-southwest of Mumbai, according to the information received by the India Meteorological Office (IMD). It is not going to hit Mumbai but will move nearly northwards and cross Gujarat coast during the early morning hours of Thursday, June 13, IMD said.

"Mumbai will also be affected by the cyclone but not that severely as it is likely to cross at a distance of 250-300 kms away from the Mumbai coast tomorrow early morning," Deputy Director General Meteorology, Mumbai IMD, KS Hosalikar told
ANI.

IMD has issued a warning for Maharashtra-Goa coast. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into Southeast Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep area, along and off Kerala and Karnataka on June 11; East Central Arabian Sea and along and off Maharashtra Coast on June 11th and 12th, Northeast Arabian sea and along and off Gujarat coast on June 12th and 13th. Those, who are out in deep sea areas are advised to return to the coast.

Cyclonic storm Vayu is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, IMD said.

It is very likely to move nearly northward and cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Veraval and Diu region as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speed 110-120 kmph to 135 kmph early in the morning on June 13, 2019.

As heavy downpour is expected in parts of Gujarat, the state government is taking necessary precautionary measures to avert mishaps, especially near coastal areas.